PC Training & Consulting Weblog

Windows XP SP2 for UNM Users

August 12, 2004

[From UNM CIRT:] If you are not using Windows XP Home or Windows XP Professional, you do notneed to read this message. This message contains important information concerning Service Pack 2 for Windows XP. This message is long, but please read all sections. You may find it useful to print it and keep it for reference.

WHAT IS SERVICE PACK 2 (SP2)?

Microsoft is providing an extensive update to Windows XP that will add a
firewall, anti-virus checking, pop-up blocking, and other security features
to your system. Please note - SP2 does NOT install any anti-virus software;
it just provides a method to check if you have anti-virus software, and if
it is running properly.

WHEN/HOW WILL I RECEIVE IT?
Starting Monday 8/16, Microsoft will allow users to download the update free
of charge using the Windows Update service. For most users, your machine
will be configured to receive these updates automatically. Microsoft will
distribute 25,000 copies of the update each day until all XP users have
received it. There is no way to determine exactly when you will receive your
copy.

If you prefer not to wait, after Monday you can go to
http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com and download the program.

DO I NEED TO DO ANYTHING BEFORE IT DOWNLOADS?
The service pack should not damage your computer, but no-one can guarantee
that your data will be safe. It is always a good idea to maintain backups of
your important documents on CD or ZIP drives, especially prior to
installation of major upgrades such as this service pack.

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO DOWNLOAD?
It is difficult to predict how long the download will take. The XP
Professional patch is 100MB; the XP Home patch is 80MB. If you are on
campus, the download should proceed in the background while you are using
your computer and will normally complete in less than 3O minutes. If
you are using DSL or a cable modem at home, the download time will be
similar. Other traffic on the network, and the number of people accessing
the files at the same time will determine the actual download speed.

For home users with a telephone dialup connection, the download may take
several days to complete using windows automatic update. The update will be
downloaded automatically in small pieces whenever you are connected to the
Internet; it uses the spare time when you are not using your network
connection (for example, while you are looking at a web page or replying to
an email). It should not affect access to email or web access. Once all the
pieces are downloaded, it will be installed.

I USE TELEPHONE DIALUP - WHAT HAPPENS IF I TURN OFF THE COMPUTER?
The download will stop when you disconnect from the Internet and restart
when you next connect to the Internet; the part that you have downloaded
will be saved on your computer. The download restarts from the place it left
off, so the same information is not downloaded again. Eventually you will
receive the entire update, and it will then be installed.

DO I NEED TO REBOOT AFTER THE INSTALLATION?
Yes, you will be prompted to reboot your machine. After the reboot, your
machine may take several minutes to restart. During this period, further
updates are being configured. Eventually, your machine should restart
normally, and a screen labeled "Security Center" should be displayed. If you
do not see this after waiting 20 minutes, hold the power button of your PC
down until the machine shuts off. Release the button and restart the machine
as normal.

WILL ANYTHING LOOK DIFFERENT AFTER THE INSTALL?
If you didn't have automatic updates enabled, a screen will be displayed
entitled "Help protect your PC". This prompts you to enable automatic
updates.

If you already had automatic updates enabled, the first thing you will
notice is the Security Center window that explains how to protect your
machine. It will show that the firewall, anti-virus checking, and automatic
updates have been turned on for your machine (unless you already have a
firewall). You should read through the information displayed. You can then
close this window. To return to this window and change settings for the
firewall, and automatic updates, go to the Control Panel.

WHAT DOES THE FIREWALL DO?
The firewall prevents programs on your computer making use of the
network/Internet without your permission. It also prevents other users from
accessing your computer over the network/Internet without your permission.
These types of access are usually related to viruses, trojans, and other
damaging software. By default, the firewall will prevent programs accessing
the network and Internet.

WHAT ABOUT PROGRAMS I USE TO ACCESS THE NETWORK AND INTERNET?
Each time a program tries to access the network or Internet, you will see a
warning that says the program has been prevented from doing so. On that
warning, you can choose to UNBLOCK the program, which means that in future
it will be allowed to use the network/Internet, and you will not receive the
warning. You should choose UNBLOCK if you trust the program that you are
using. For example, the first time you use a web browser, you may receive
the warning. Since you WANT to use the web browser, you should tell the
firewall to UNBLOCK that program.

WHEN SHOULD I KEEP A PROGRAM BLOCKED?
If you are NOT trying to use the network connection, and a program tries to
use it, you should consider keeping that program blocked. Look for the name
of the program on the pop up screen. If you trust the program and want to
keep using it, UNBLOCK the program. Otherwise, you can choose ASK ME LATER
(so that this warning will continue to appear) or KEEP BLOCKING if you don't
trust the program.

WHAT OTHER SECURITY IS INCLUDED?
When browsing web pages, you may see a message appear just under the tool
bars in the Internet Explorer window. This will give you information about
other security issues as you use the web. If a web site tries to install
programs on your computer, you will see a message telling you this was
blocked. If a web page tries to display extra windows you didn't request
(pop ups) these will be disabled. Follow the instructions on the security
bar that tell you how to allow a window to pop up or a program to install if
you need those items.

I USE OUTLOOK EXPRESS, AND PICTURES DON'T DISPLAY CORRECTLY NOW
The SP2 patch added extra security to Outlook Express. Pictures in email can
be used to track your email activity, or download malicious code. These
actions are now automatically blocked. Outlook Express also prevents certain
types of files from being accessed through email. This prevents you from
receiving viruses.

I HAVE OTHER PROBLEMS - HOW DO I GET HELP?
Go to http://fastinfo.unm.edu and search the knowledge base. If you cannot
find a solution, click the Ask A Question link. You will need to use your
NetID to log in to this page. Enter your question and you will receive a
reply, normally within one business day. For urgent issues call 277-4848.